Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The core of Tarzan’s gameplay is a time-pressured, action-platforming quest that challenges players to recover seven mystical gemstones before time runs out. Each level is designed around dense jungle environments—dark caves, treacherous swamps, fast-moving rivers, and quicksand pits—that demand precise jumping, careful exploration, and smart use of limited resources. Tarzan’s move set is simple but effective: he can run, jump, climb vines, swing on ropes, and deliver a series of punches to fend off hostile creatures.

Resource management plays a key role in this adventure. You’ll need to locate helpful tools like ropes and torches to access deep crevasses or illuminate pitch-black caverns. Meanwhile, a continuously ticking in-game clock keeps the pressure on—every time Tarzan touches a hazard like headhunters, lions, snakes, or spiders, he’s stunned for an hour, eating into your precious three-day deadline. Successfully juggling exploration, combat, and the ticking timer adds tension and rewards quick thinking.

Puzzle elements are woven seamlessly into the action. The elusive “Eyes of the Rainbow” gemstones are hidden by mischievous chimps in secret alcoves, behind collapsible walls, and at the end of winding rope bridges. Discovering each gemstone often requires backtracking with newly found items or triggering environmental switches. This blend of platforming and light puzzle-solving creates a satisfying rhythm: thrill of a narrow escape followed by the satisfaction of uncovering yet another gem.

Graphics

Visually, Tarzan delivers a lush portrayal of the African jungle. The hand-drawn backgrounds teem with vibrant foliage, swaying trees, and subtle parallax effects that give depth to sprawling canopies. Subtle animations—leaves rustling, water rippling, and flickering torchlight—add life to each stage, making exploration feel immersive and dynamic.

Character sprites are detailed and expressive. Tarzan’s fluid swinging animations and punch combos look natural, while enemy designs—sinister headhunters, slithering snakes, and the panther Sheeta—are distinctive enough to be recognized instantly. The color palette shifts dramatically between levels, from bright emerald greens of daytime jungles to eerie purples and blacks of underground caverns, helping players anticipate environmental challenges.

Cutscenes and transitional screens use comic-style panels that capture key story beats: Kala raising her adoptive son, John Clayton’s return to England, Jane’s capture by Usanga, and the awakening threat of Sheeta. Though not fully animated, these illustrated moments enhance the narrative’s drama without breaking the game’s pacing. Overall, the artistry strikes a balance between nostalgic pixel charm and a vibrant, atmospheric world.

Story

Tarzan’s plot draws directly on the rich legend of a human child raised by apes in the heart of Africa. As John Clayton, Lord Greystoke, players feel the pull between civilized duty and primal instinct. The narrative hook—Jane’s kidnapping by Usanga to coerce Tarzan into retrieving the stolen Eyes of the Rainbow—provides immediate stakes, blending romance, adventure, and danger.

Each gemstone represents a color of the spectrum and holds spiritual significance for the Wamabo tribe. This mystical layer deepens the quest beyond a simple rescue mission: you’re restoring balance to a sacred shrine. Brief in-game dialogue and illustrated interludes hint at tribal customs and the moral weight of disturbing a cultural relic, lending the story a surprising depth for a platformer.

Despite its urgency, the narrative never feels rushed. Transitions from cutscene to gameplay are smooth, and every level feels motivated by the overarching goal: save Jane or risk her fate as jungle prey. The threat of time slipping away and the looming presence of Sheeta the Panther keep the tension high, making each successful gemstone recovery feel earned and meaningful.

Overall Experience

Tarzan offers a compelling blend of timed platforming, light puzzle-solving, and atmospheric presentation that will appeal to fans of classic action-adventure titles. The three-day time limit injects every leap and punch with palpable urgency, rewarding careful planning and swift execution. While some players may find the timer stressful, it amplifies the jungle’s inherent dangers and keeps the gameplay loop engaging.

The game’s strengths lie in its world-building and aesthetics. From the richly drawn levels to the evocative comic-style story panels, every element works in concert to transport players into Tarzan’s dual existence—civilized lord one moment, jungle warrior the next. Replay value is bolstered by hidden pathways and the challenge of shaving precious minutes off your completion time to rescue Jane with seconds to spare.

Whether you’re drawn by the Tarzan mythos or simply seeking a well-crafted platformer with a vibrant setting, this adventure offers a satisfying journey. Its combination of tight controls, atmospheric graphics, and a story infused with legend makes for an experience that’s both nostalgic and refreshing—truly befitting the Lord of the Jungle.

Retro Replay Score

6.4/10